Michaela Althouse

Michaela Althouse is a staff writer for PhillyVoice with interests in climate, technology, education and politics. She’s previously written for Technical.ly, Washingtonian Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, New Project Media and Metro Eireann. She is a Bucks County native who enjoys gardening, exploring Philly and finding the city’s best coffee.

michaela@phillyvoice.com

January 26, 2026

Weather

Photos: Here's how people in the Philly area spent their snow day

by Michaela Althouse

More than 9 inches of snow fell in Philadelphia on Sunday, the most the city has seen in a decade. Here are photos from around the area showing how people spent their snow day sledding, shoveling and walking their dogs.

January 26, 2026

Gov. Shapiro on ICE operations in Minneapolis: 'It is time to terminate this mission'

by Michaela Althouse

During an appearance on 'Good Morning America,' Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called for 'terminating' the Immigration and Customs Enforcement mission in Minneapolis following the death of two people.

January 23, 2026

Food & Drink

Local brewery will discount its beer based on how much snow falls. They're predicting drafts will sell for 25 cents

by Michaela Althouse

For every inch of snow that Philadelphia receives, Human Robot is offering $1 off its TMAVY 13° lager on Sunday. With the city expected to see 12-18 inches, beers at Human Robot's five taprooms could be selling for as little as 25 cents.

January 23, 2026

Weather

State and local officials issue emergency orders ahead of weekend snowstorm

by Michaela Althouse

Mayor Cherelle Parker on Friday declared a snow emergency, which will go into effect at 9 p.m. Saturday. The city's Streets Department plans to use 1,000 workers, 600 pieces of equipment and 30,000 tons of salt during the storm.

January 22, 2026

Government

Divisive bill to ban city from burning its trash put on hold before a vote

by Michaela Althouse

Dozens of people at Thursday's City Council meeting commented on a bill to ban the city from burning its trash, but the legislation was pulled before a vote. The proposal would impact the largest U.S. incinerator, which is in Chester.

January 22, 2026

Weather

Philly may get pounded with snow this weekend. Here's a look back at the biggest snowfalls of the last 30 years

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia could get over 6 inches of snow this weekend, the National Weather Service predicts. But that's still well-below the biggest snowstorms of the last 30 years.

January 21, 2026

Weather

With a major snowstorm on the horizon, Philly opens warming centers

by Michaela Althouse

Temperatures in Philadelphia are expected to drop into the low teens later this week, and a major snowstorm is likely for this weekend, the National Weather System forecasts. The city has issued an enhanced code blue and opened warming centers.

January 20, 2026

Government

On way out of office, Phil Murphy signs one bill on immigrant protections but vetoes two related measures

by Michaela Althouse

In his final hours as New Jersey's governor, Phil Murphy signed a bill adding protections for immigrants but vetoed two other related measures, saying he was concerned those would 'undermine' existing policies.

January 20, 2026

Obituaries

Frank Olivieri Sr., longtime owner of Pat's King of Steaks in South Philly, dies at 87

by Michaela Althouse

Frank Olivieri, the longtime owner of Pat's King of Steaks in South Philadelphia, died at age 87, his family said Monday. He began working at the business in the late 1950s and ran it from 1968 to 1996.

January 19, 2026

Senior Health

New finger-prick blood test could help in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease

by Michaela Althouse

A new trial for older adults is exploring whether blood collected with a finger prick can accurately show proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. A similar test from a Malvern company was FDA approved in May 2025.